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what can I do with this tangle

maggiemew1maggiemew1 Posts: 35
in Plants
what can I do with this tangle. Old rose bush in garden for at least 40 years. I cut it back  to the ground in winter. Nettles and other "weeds" growing through it. Also suckers in the grass all around up to 1-2 meters from the main bush. 

Posts

  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    For me, that's a hands and knees job. Strong gloves and a thick jacket, too, if that rose is thorny. Dig and pull out everything you know you don't want so that you get a clear view of the ground. You said you cut the rose back: is this a before or after picture? The suckers can be mowed if you just have grass but if you are after a lawn, I'm not sure what to do.
    once you can see where you are, you can decide how much you like the rose and whether to start from scratch.
  • maggiemew1maggiemew1 Posts: 35
    thank you Posy, I cut it back in December to the ground. There were no nettle visible at the time. I would like to have this rose growing from a few strong stems. I have seen it in a garden trailing on a pergola and it only had a few strong stems. 
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    This isn't the time for pruning but there is all sorts of advice on here and elsewhere to help. You could also do with a word from malorena, our resident expert, if she sees this.
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